A Growing Suspicion (continued)
Samuel tried to shake off the uneasy thoughts, but they clung to him like shadows. As he held the newborn in his arms, he searched for something familiar—his eyes, his nose, his smile—but found none of it. Every feature felt foreign, almost like the baby belonged to someone else entirely. He wanted to be happy, to feel the joy of fatherhood, but the seed of doubt was already growing, rooting itself deep in his heart.
He replayed the months leading up to the birth, trying to recall anything unusual in Emma’s behavior. She had been distant at times, emotional—but then again, pregnancy could explain that. Still, the fact that she had gone through labor alone, insisting he wait outside, now felt like more than just a personal preference. Was she hiding something from him?
Samuel’s thoughts spiraled. He remembered their late-night talks about the future, the way Emma would smile when talking about the baby. Could all of it have been a lie? Or was he overthinking everything, letting fear and insecurity cloud his judgment?
He needed answers. But more than that, he needed the truth—no matter how painful it might be. And when he finally confronted Emma about his fears, what she revealed would leave him speechless and change everything he thought he knew about their relationship…
He was horrified when the doctor finally opened the door for him. Emma was carrying a baby with startling blue eyes, golden hair, and remarkably pale skin. He didn’t look like Samuel at all.
— “Is this a joke?” he said in a frozen whisper.
Emma, tired but tender, looked up at him.
– “I can explain everything, Samuel.”
She clarified that she possessed a rare recessive gene, which was discovered via a genetic test she had taken before to their marriage. Even if both parents have dark complexion, this gene might produce a child with lighter characteristics.
— “You must also carry this gene for our baby to look like this,” she continued.
Samuel fell on one of the chairs. He wanted to be upset, but there was no denying the reality. He glanced at Emma, then at his child. This infant was definitely his.
The Trial of the Family
Another storm was waiting for them at home. When they saw the baby, Samuel’s family, who were excited to welcome him, froze.
— Is this a joke? His mother cried out in disbelief.
The suspicion was not allayed by their explanations. Every visit became an interrogation, and they were burdened by critical looks. That is, until Samuel discovered his mother carrying a wet cloth in the nursery.
“What’re you up to?” He let out a cry.